KINGS TEAM UP WITH WALMART TO HOST FOOD DRIVE AT FRIDAY’S GAME

--Fans encouraged to participate by donating nonperishable items at Kings-Spurs contest; Contributions to benefit River City Food Bank--

SACRAMENTO, CALIF., Nov. 8, 2012 -- The Sacramento Kings have teamed up with Walmart to assist the retailer’s “Fighting Hunger Together” initiative aimed at assisting more than 49 million Americans who struggle every year to put food on their tables—nearly 250,000 of which reside in the Sacramento region.

“The entire Kings organization is enthusiastically supportive of this worthy cause and honored to join Walmart’s ‘Fighting Hunger Together’ efforts,” said Matina Kolokotronis, Kings President of Business Operations. “Along with the support of our fans and employees, we’re hopeful Friday’s food drive will make a significant impact in the lives of those in need.”

Kings fans are invited to help the effort by bringing canned foods to Sleep Train Arena before the Kings-Spurs game Friday at 7 p.m. Conveniently stationed receptacles will be available at the venue entrances to collect all nonperishable foods, including a few preferred items currently in short supply at River City Food Bank such as peanut butter, canned fruits/vegetables, macaroni and cheese, baby formula, canned soups, chili and healthy snack bars.

“Walmart is proud to give our customers the opportunity to fight hunger by participating in a food drive at the Sacramento Kings game on November 9,” said Walmart Market Manager Mike Zobel. “We are pleased to be able to support our Sacramento community and the River City Food Bank in conjunction with our company-wide ‘Fighting Hunger Together’ campaign.”

One of the only charities of its kind open seven days a week, River City Food Bank serves any individual experiencing hunger living in Sacramento County. In addition to providing nutritionally-balanced 3-day emergency food supplies, RCFB offers cooking classes, CalFresh outreach and assistance and the “BackSnack Program” designed to curb childhood hunger.

“Hunger and malnutrition is very real in our community, but it is often a hidden problem,” said Eileen Thomas, Executive Director of the River City Food Bank. “A staggering 236,000 people in Sacramento County are food insecure, but with assistance from programs such as ‘Fighting Hunger Together’, the River City Food Bank can help the working poor, seniors and families who struggle to feed their children. We are very grateful to Walmart, the Sacramento Kings and fans who will contribute to the canned food drive to fight hunger in Sacramento.”

About the Sacramento Kings: Maloof Sports & Entertainment includes the Sacramento Kings and Sleep Train Arena. Owned by the Maloof family with long-term partners, the organization is committed to being a contributing member of the community. Teaming up with local leaders and nonprofit organizations to give back to those in need throughout the region, MS&E has donated more than $20 million in cash and in-kind donations to more than 200 charitable entities over 13 years of Maloof family ownership. For more information, please visit Kings.com or call 916-928-0000.